The Independent Health Foundation and its sponsors gave a sneak peak of this year’s lineup at a press event Wednesday at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The annual holiday family tradition, now in its 26th year in downtown Buffalo, offers a safe, family-friendly activities for all ages to ring in the New Year with rides and amusements including Eclectic Improv, Pyromancy, Nickel City Reptiles & Exotics, The Red Trouser Show, Kevin McCarthy and a wide variety of exciting street performers. New this year, the Buffalo Bills will provide a Challenge where families can visit stations and experience hands-on football-themed fitness activities.

“Each year, thousands of Western New York families come out to celebrate a drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve at First Night Buffalo, “said Carrie Meyer, executive director, Independent Health Foundation. “This year will be no different. The Independent Health Foundation is proud to continue presenting this fun, affordable and safe event every New Year’s Eve. We have a great lineup of entertainment and activities for attendees of all ages.”

“Independent Health is pleased to support First Night Buffalo, one of our region’s mainstay events, which engages our community in healthy and fun activities to ring in the New Year,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Independent Health. “All of us have the opportunity to create healthier habits for ourselves and our families, and First Night Buffalo is the perfect place to make that commitment and start the year off right. Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers who make this outstanding event possible.”

“First Night Buffalo continues its 26 year tradition of great family-friendly fun on New Year’s Eve in downtown Buffalo," said Mayor Byron Brown. "I salute the founders of First Night Buffalo, the Independent Health Foundation, donors and volunteers for continuing to strengthen the health and wellness of city residents and visitors, particularly at a time when Buffalo is experiencing a record amount of new economic development and job growth. I encourage everyone to attend this drug- and alcohol-free event that draws thousands of families to downtown Buffalo each year.”

Tickets are now on sale at all area Wegmans locations for $10, which include all rides, attractions and activities. Children ages 2-years-old and under are free. Tickets are $12 at the door. Free parking is available for attendees at the Fernbach and Main Place Mall parking ramps thanks to the Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, Buffalo Board of Parking and Mayor Brown.

First Night Buffalo is presented by the Independent Health Foundation and sponsored by Channel 7, Independent Health, The Buffalo News, VSP Marketing Graphic Group, and Lamar. A special thank you for additional support of the Independent Health Foundation’s signature programs to the following companies: 1919 Investment Counsel, Alliance of Community Health Plans, Connors & Vilardo, LLP, Family Choice of New York, Ferguson Electric, HealthEdge Software, Inc, and Personal Computers Inc.

Established in 1992, the Independent Health Foundation works to improve the health and well-being of Western New York residents through awareness, prevention, education and other programs focused on community health priorities. For more information on the Foundation’s activities, visit www.independenthealth.com/foundation.